'I'd rather have clover than plantain or dandelions in my sports field' |
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DLF achieves success with Microclover in North Holland
Many athletes in the municipalities of Bergen, Uitgeest, Castricum, and Heiloo are no longer surprised to find clover in their natural grass fields. This is Microclover from DLF, which plays a significant role in more sustainable maintenance. The pioneering phase of this 'weed plant' on sports fields may be over, but users and managers often only set aside their prejudices once they hear or experience all the benefits of Microclover themselves.
| Microclover Sports Field 6: a perfectly even distribution of Microclover on this sports field—growing low between the grass, it forms a dense, strong turf. |
In the mentioned municipalities, Joop Schinkel has been using Microclover for over five years. He is responsible for sports field management on behalf of the work organization BUCH. Schinkel is always looking for improvements in field maintenance and came across English websites fifteen years ago with rave reviews about the use of Microclover on sports fields. 'I read that it was good for people, the environment, and the budget, and I wanted to use it. Ultimately, it took until 2019 before I sowed the first sports field with a mix of Microclover and grass seed during a renovation. Now, I use a few kilos for every renovation and major maintenance operation.'
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'Microclover was developed to grow alongside grass due to its properties that benefit the grass.'
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The current supplier is DLF. Erik Dolstra, recreation grass specialist for the Benelux at this company, explains that clover was long considered something to be eradicated. 'People always said: clover does not belong in a sports field because it is a weed, and so they eliminated it. We specifically developed Microclover to grow alongside grass because it has so many properties that benefit the grass.' Microclover is a small-leafed clover, whose seeds are mixed with grass seed during application. Dolstra lists the benefits: 'It saves on fertilization because clover absorbs nitrogen from the air and then feeds it back into the soil for the grass. It also creates a compact turf, reducing weed growth. Additionally, it retains water better, making the sports field more resistant to drought. All this combined results in lower maintenance costs and a turf that stays green longer.'
Acceptance
Schinkel has now confirmed through practical experience that all of this is true. 'I was particularly surprised by the nitrogen release. A rugby field in Castricum, for example, remains much greener in the winter months thanks to Microclover compared to other fields. Another advantage is that the soil dries out less quickly due to the shade provided by the clover. This sometimes allows irrigation to be postponed.' Schinkel is also familiar with the weed argument from opponents. 'They sometimes argue that the KNVB classifies clover as a weed. Or they look doubtful when I list the benefits and wonder why a pilot with Microclover should take place on their field. Over time, however, they see the advantages. It is also about acceptance, especially now that many pesticides have been banned. Now they say: I'd rather have clover in my sports field than plantain or dandelions.'
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'It is also increasingly used on golf courses, initially on the driving range.'
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To convince users and managers of the benefits, Schinkel often sends a link to an article in the trade journal *Greenkeeper* about the use of Microclover on the golf course De Goese Golf. Dolstra: 'It is also increasingly used on golf courses, initially on the driving range.' After reading the article, readers described it as creative to use Microclover to naturally nourish grass. Microclover provides nitrogen to the grass, saving at least 50 kg of nitrogen per hectare, according to DLF data. 'It reduces emissions and costs while creating a denser turf that is also less susceptible to play damage,' concludes Schinkel. He is still searching for the ideal method to sow Microclover. His supplier DLF collaborates with him to find solutions and occasionally visits the site to provide expert advice. Both Schinkel and Dolstra know that pneumatic application using air pressure yields good results. The best results are achieved in combination with perennial ryegrass, which naturally has the highest nitrogen demand. To achieve the desired effect, DLF advises applying 5 percent Microclover or 15 kilograms per hectare.
Slippery
In addition to these good properties and positive experiences with Microclover, Schinkel occasionally hears a less favorable comment. For instance, when clover blooms in summer on a sports field. 'The question is whether it is Microclover or common white clover, but I always respond that it disappears before the season starts.' Schools using municipal sports fields sometimes send him complaints via WhatsApp. 'Students wearing flat shoes on our fields complain about slipperiness. It may also be due to my not yet having found the ideal seeding method; the Microclover is not yet evenly distributed.' Dolstra acknowledges that a field can sometimes be slightly more slippery, especially in wet conditions. But according to him, amateur footballers don't notice this since they wear cleats. 'In the first year, the Microclover isn't as small, but from the second year onward, it establishes itself much better. Regular mowing keeps Microclover nicely compact and growing low among the grass so that you hardly see it.' Once this stage is reached, Schinkel and other sports field managers will no longer need to explain why they use Microclover for more sustainable sports field maintenance.
 | | Difference between Microclover and grass: Left: a sports field with Microclover. Right: a standard sports field. Microclover ensures a green turf year-round. |
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This article was first published on March 4, 2025, on the website of Fieldmanager.
| Exploitatie Mij. Goese Go... | |
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